Berita

BANDUNG. The Head of the Center for Vulcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), Geological Agency, MEMR, Surono stated that the cause of earthquake in northwest Sarmi Papua, Thursday (10/11/2011) was caused by the association of increased fault activity heading to west east, extending from Enarotali heading to west. Community is asked to be alert of aftershock earthquake which is hoped to be smaller.

“Based on the information received from BMKG and other sources, the earthquake shaking in northwest of Sarmi Papua happened in Thursday, November 10th, 2011 at 09:34:54 WIB (West Part of Indonesia Standard Time). The epicenter was in coordinate 1.6°South Lat. and 138.56° East Long., in magnitude 52 SR in 27 km depth, 37 km of northwest Sarmi Papua,” says Surono.

“The earthquake does not cause tsunami because even though it was centered in the sea, but its energy was not quite strong to trigger tsunami,” he says.

Geological condition of earthquake-affected areas, continued Surono, was predicted happen in area composed by Tertiary rocks in form of volcanic sediment rocks, igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks. The earthquake shaking will be felt in quarter sediment rocks and rotten Tertiary rock which is unconsolidated and strengthened the shaking effects, so it is risky to the shaking of the earthquake. The earthquake effects are predicted associating with increased fault activity heading to west east, extending from Enarotali heading to west. Up to this response made, there is report yet concerning damage or victims caused by the earthquake.

The Head of PVMBG recommend community to be calm and obey the instruction and information of Satlak PB and Satkorlak PB officials. Do not be influenced by irresponsible issue concerning the earthquake and tsunami and also have to be alert with aftershock earthquake. (AK)